WESLEY'S BRIGHT BEGINNINGS

Where learning is fun and kids love to learn
OFFERING LOVING CARE AND CREATIVE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AGES 1 YEAR TO 5 YEARS; SERVING FAMILIES SINCE 1988.

We believe a love of learning starts early, so we encourage learning through play. WBB offers a safe, fun and nurturing environment with activities designed to develop skills that ultimately lead to success in the classroom.

Our children enjoy a mix of structured activities, free play, stories, drama, crafts and music provided by loving and dedicated teachers. Our goal is to encourage growth in the following key areas:

Social Skills

Self-confidence, independence, group participation, following instructions, sharing, taking turns and manners

Communication

Expressing clear ideas with classmates and adults, phonics and listening skills

Reasonings

Thinking skills, decision making, problem solving and creativity

Physical Development

Large and small motor skills, coordination and self-control

WBB loves to celebrate special days like Parades, Donuts with Dear Ones, Special Class Days (Pajama Day, Beach Day, Teddy Bear Day), Author/Book Days, Field Trips, and Class Photos.

We’d love the opportunity to show you more. Stop by and see for yourself why our families love WBB!

Contact our Director, Julie Loy, at 827-8046 ext. 21, or wesleysbrightbeginnings@gmail.com for additional information and to schedule a visit.

CLASSES FOR 2024-2025

Children should be enrolled based on their age as of September 1st.
Classes will be held only if adequate enrollment is received.

Class Openings

There are limited openings for the 4 year old class. All other classes for the 2024-2025 school year are full.
To inquire about openings or to be added to the waitlist, please contact our director, Julie Loy, at wesleysbrightbeginnings@gmail.com

Rainy Day Scholarship Fund

If you are in need of financial assistance for tuition, please complete the Rainy Day Scholarship Application linked HERE and turn it in to our director, Julie Loy or put it in the Wesley’s Bright Beginnings mailbox by the front office.
To donate to our Rainy Day Scholarship Fund, please contact Julie Loy, at wesleysbrightbeginnings@gmail.com

Calendar Announcements

Parent Orientation
Thursday, August 29, 2024

One Hour Visit Day
Tuesday, September 3, 2024

First Full Day
Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Last Day
Thursday, May 8, 2025

WBB will be closed the following dates:

Indigenous People’s Day
October 14, 2024

Election Day
November 5, 2024

Teacher In Service
November 14, 2024

Thanksgiving
November 27-29, 2024

Winter Break (begins)
December 23, 2024

Classes Resume
January 6, 2025

Martin Luther King’s birthday
January 20, 2025

Teacher In Service 
February 6, 2025

President’s Day
February 17, 2025

Spring Break
March 24-28, 2025

Classes Resume
March 31, 2025

Our Staff & Board of Directors

Julie Loy

Program Director

Hello! I have been blessed to be a part of Wesley’s Bright Beginnings preschool for the past 19 years, and if you count my first year as a parent of a toddler in the program, then it’s 20!! Most of my years were spent teaching 2s, then I became the director and did both for several years. Now I am not in the classroom, but I have the perfect job in that I get to go into all the classes and see all our kiddos!! I am originally from Missouri and have a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood from University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou!) and a Master’s in Reading from Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, Missouri. My family has lived in Bloomington for 20 years and includes my husband, our daughter, Hannah-Kate who will be a Junior at Mizzou, our son Carter who just graduated from University High School in Normal and will attend Mizzou in the fall, and our 4 year old Mini Australian Shepherd, Luna. In my spare time I enjoy walking, reading, baking and spending time with family and friends.

Naomi Higgins

4's Class Lead

Hello WBB family! My name is Miss Naomi and I am lucky to be with the WBB program teaching 4s. Prior to coming here, I co-taught in an inclusive multi-age preschool classroom in Minonk. I have been living in Normal since I graduated from ISU with my teaching degree. I am helping raise 3 amazing and busy kiddos of my own alongside my husband. I choose preschool because I love seeing and nourishing growth in children. Children have such an interesting and fun perspective of life and things going on around them. Plus, I can be silly! I love having a career filled with laughter.

Teresa Kunkes

4's Class Assistant

My name is Teresa Kunkes (4’s Class Assistant). I am originally from Taylorville which is about 2 hours south of here. I moved to Bloomington with my husband Nick about 10 years ago. We have a 13 year old son named Jonathan. He is very active in school, sports and Scouts. We also have 6 year old twins daughters, River and Rose. The girls are also very active in Scouts. In our free time we like to go hiking or visit with family. River and Rose attended preschool here at WBB and we fell in love with the program. I am really excited about joining the WBB staff and look forward to the upcoming year!

Stephaney Jones

3's Class Lead

Hello! My name is Stephaney Jones. My husband Brian and I have lived in Bloomington-Normal since college. We both attended Illinois State University, where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and my Master’s Degree in Reading Education. We both began working in Bloomington after graduating and have never left! I started my career at Stevenson Elementary in District 87. I left in 2008 after having my twins. We have three boys, Mason, Spencer, and Asher. Mason and Spencer are soon to be 8th graders, and Asher will be a 2nd grader! All three of our boys have attended preschool at WBB, and their time here was invaluable. This will be my fourth school year being a teacher at WBB. It is such a special place, and I’m so grateful to be able to do what I love and still enjoy a work/life balance that fits the needs of my family! We are so excited for this school year.

Holly Rogers

3's Class Assistant

My name is Holly Rogers. I’m a Central Illinois native, and mom of two daughters. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Evangel University, with a minor in Child Psychology. I have twenty years experience in the field of Early Childhood, including curriculum development, classroom teaching, as well as one-to-one floor time and individual care. Areas I am particularly passionate about include play-based learning, and developing strategies to meet the unique needs of individual students. I am currently on the very long and exciting journey of learning American Sign Language (ASL) with the goal of one day being fluent. I am honored to be a part of WBB staff, and each year, I truly thrill to watch our students grow!

Janet Flynn

3 Day 2's Class Lead

Hello Families! My name is Janet Flynn and I am the lead teacher in the Little Explorer’s Class. My family moved to Illinois over 20 years ago from VA. My husband and I are parents to two adult children. We love to travel and spend time with them and their families. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from VA Wesleyan University. I taught in the elementary schools in VA and I was a preschool teacher at Tomorrow’s Promise for 6 years. I love teaching preschool! Seeing the children grow, discover and learn brings me a lot of joy! In my spare time, I love to read historical fiction, crochet, journal and be outdoors.

Laurie Sperry

3 Day 2's Class Assistant

Hi, my name is Laurie Sperry and I am the class assistant in the Little Explorers Class. I attended Illinois State University, where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. My husband and I have lived in the Bloomington-Normal area since our college days. I am blessed with two grown children and two beautiful grandsons. My elementary school years were spent in the Gibson City Melvin Sibley School District. During my 35 years, I taught second, third, and fourth grade. I am thrilled now to have the opportunity to work at the preschool level. Over the last several years, I have enjoyed teaching and assisting at all levels. I love working with very young children! Their curiosity, excitement, and spontaneity to learn make school days a joy. My free time is spent walking my dog or relaxing with a good book. I am very excited to join the staff at Wesley’s Bright Beginnings Preschool. I am looking forward to a fantastic school year.

Michele Tackett

2 Day 2's Lead & Toddlers Lead

Hi! I’m so excited to be Lead Teacher in the Little Dippers Toddler Room. I’ve been involved with Wesley’s Bright Beginnings as a parent for the past four years. I’m so glad to be on this amazing staff and work with such wonderful kiddos! I moved to Bloomington/Normal to attend Illinois State University and have been here ever since graduation. I live just outside of Shirley with my husband, Chris, and our two daughters. Hallie is a kindergartner who previously attended WBB and Emma is in the 3’s Comets Class. When I can find the time I enjoy to cook and bake and just overall being a foodie. Plus I love spending time with my friends and having relaxed family time.

Anitha Rajendran

2 Day 2's & Toddlers Assistant

I’m so excited to join the classroom! I moved to Bloomington from India in 2014 after getting married. I live with my husband and our two daughters. My oldest attended WBB and my youngest is currently in the Little Explorers 3 Day 2’s class. When I can find the time I love to paint and make handmade jewelry and cards. I love to travel and explore new places.

John Twork

Board of Directors
Chairperson

Gallery

WHAT OUR FAMILIES SAY ABOUT US

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Wesley’s Bright Beginnings

(309) 827-8046 ext. 21

502 East Front St Bloomington, IL 61701